2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Sarah Emma Edmundson, was born in Canada December 1841. An extraordinary woman who is best known for her role in the American Civil War, where she spend much of her time disguised as a man she named Franklin T. Thompson.'

Franklin,' ironically enough, was also asked to go undercover as an African American, or a woman. Sometimes both.

Sarah joined the army when she was forced to flee her abusive Father, the army was the only place she'd felt safe after her father had tried to force a marriage on her to a man she did not want.

Sarah's career as a male nurse and spy as Frank' came to an abrupt end when she came down with malaria. She could not, for fear of exposing herself, go to the military hospital. She left, and checked into a private hospital, fully intending to return to her ways when she healed. However, after she learned that Frank' was wanted as a deserter, she decided to serve instead as a female nurse in Washington D.C. in a hospital for wounded soldiers.

After the war, assuming a pen name, S. E. Edmonds, she published a book named Nurse and Spy in the Union Army,' which sold over 175,000 copies, a brilliant success.

In 1867, at age 26, she married a man named Seelye, a carpenter. She had three children. In 1886, she received a pension from the government, for $12 a month, as a reward for her military service.

Sarah later died in La Porte Texas, and is buried near there. In 1992, she was recognized for her acts of bravery by being inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame.

Sarah was 57 years old when she died.

Learn more about this author, Lucy Anne Stone.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Biography: Sarah Emma Edmundson?
We want to hear your view. Write now!